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Dyckia 'Brittle Star'

sawblade bromeliad 'Brittle Star'

A tough, drought tolerant, slow-growing, clump-forming, spiny bromeliad. It has rosettes of greyish recurved leaves, with white barbs along their leaf margins and reddish midribs. Mature plants can produce a tall flower stem in hot summers with bright orange tubular flowers

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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Grey Silver Black
Summer Orange Grey Silver Black
Autumn Grey Silver Black
Winter Grey Silver Black
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Drought resistance
Yes
Hardiness
H3
Botanical details
Family
Bromeliaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Clump forming
Name status

Accepted

Plant range
South America

How to grow

Cultivation

Plant in slightly acidic to neutral well-drained soil incorporating coarse grit or perlite. Avoid waterlogging. See hardy cactus and succulent cultivation for further advice

Propagation

Propagate by division of offsets or 'pups' at their base or propagate by seed

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Architectural
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Gravel garden
  • Mediterranean climate plants
  • Patio and container plants
  • Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to mealybugs and scale insects

Diseases

May be susceptible to powdery mildews or leaf spots

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